How To Write a Barista Resume
Your resume is a carefully crafted representation of your skills, experience, and passion for all things coffee. It should grab the attention of potential employers, enticing them to learn more about you and all you have to offer. In this guide, we’ll share strategies you can use to showcase your commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience and your deep understanding of coffee culture. We’ll lead you through the resume writing process, providing real barista resume examples along the way. You’ll learn how to capture and present your best professional qualities, creating a resume that resonates with hiring managers in the beverage service industry.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
Introduce yourself to hiring managers with a concise and impactful resume profile. Using 2-3 sentences, give readers a snapshot of your skills and experiences. Start with a strong sentence that highlights your relevant experience and unique qualities. You can call out an impressive credential, accomplishment, or title to make a strong impression. Go a step further and customize your profile to the position you’re applying for. Study the job description and match the company’s needs with your skills and qualifications. Try to convey your appreciation for coffee, customer service, and creating memorable interactions. Employers value baristas who genuinely enjoy their work and can naturally create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
Lead Barista skilled at motivating staff through meaningful reward and recognition programs. Maximize efficiency and service quality by cultivating staff members’ individual strengths. Broad knowledge of hot and iced coffee preparation standards and presentation methods. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Courteous Barista committed to providing high-quality customer experiences. Skilled in developing new methods for producing various coffee-based drinks. Focused on discovering sustainable business practices to promote eco-friendliness and waste reduction.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
The professional experience section should demonstrate your impact in previous roles and call attention to the skills and qualities that make you a standout barista. Instead of telling readers what you were responsible for, show them how you executed your duties. Employers want to see tangible results and contributions, so quantify your accomplishments by including specific numbers, percentages, or measurable outcomes. For example, mention how many drinks you prepared per hour or how much you contributed to increased sales. As you write, be sure to use action verbs that demonstrate your abilities and highlight your level of expertise. These words add a dynamic element to your resume, so consider starting each bullet point with a verb.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
Lead Barista, Starbucks, Wilmington, DE | July 2016 to Present
- Set new staffing strategy that raised store productivity 40%+ in 3 years
- Introduced a staff reward and recognition system that improved retention by 80%+ in 2019
- Developed a professional development course to boost team members’ understanding of beverage preparation core standards
- Led a 12-person team to more actively promote the chain’s special offers, growing sales by ~30% YoY
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Assistant Manager, Maggie’s Coffeehouse, Greensboro, NC | September 2020 to Present
- Oversee 20 baristas and serve as shift leader for up to 5 team members
- Manage $10K annual budget for equipment procurement
Highlight:
- Started a recycling program that reduced plastic waste by 50%
3. Include relevant education and certifications
Add value to your resume by showcasing your knowledge, skills, and commitment to coffee-making. Education and certifications indicate that you’ve received formal training and have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a barista. Mention any workshops, seminars, or training sessions you’ve attended that are related to coffee and customer service. Start with your highest level of education and list the degree name, institution, location, and completion date.
Specific certifications, such as those from reputable coffee associations or specialized barista training programs, provide credibility and validate your expertise. These credentials assure employers of your competency in the field. Format a separate section similarly, providing the certificate name, issuing organization, and date received.
Certifications
Template: [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
- Specialty Coffee Association Professional Diploma | 2014
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[SCHOOL NAME], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
Associate of Arts – Hospitality
DR. WALLACE E. BOSTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Charles Town, WV | 2013
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
As you create your key skills section, include technical and interpersonal skills. These are both crucial for creating a positive and efficient cafe environment. Identify the key skills mentioned in the job posting and ensure you incorporate them into your resume. As a barista, you may possess unique abilities or experiences that can set you apart from other candidates. For example, if you have expertise in creating signature drinks or extensive knowledge of coffee origins and flavor profiles, be sure to mention them. Here’s a list of examples for you to consider:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Cash Handling | Coffee Bean and Grounds Quality Control |
| Coffee Order Accuracy | Coffee Preparation Core Standards |
| Customer Relations and Service | Efficiency Improvement |
| Food and Beverage Hygiene | Food Safety and Sanitation |
| French Press Operation and Repair | Latte Art |
| Milk Texturing | Performance Management |
| Product Promotions | Promotional Upselling |
| Sensory Cup Technology | Staff Training and Development |
| Task Timing and Sequencing | Team Collaboration |
| Team Management and Scheduling | Upselling and suggestive selling techniques |
How To Pick the Best Barista Resume Template
A resume template provides a well-structured framework for presenting your qualifications, so choose one that allows your content to shine. The best resume template for a barista is clean, organized, and easy to navigate. Avoid cluttered layouts or excessive use of decorative elements. Instead, opt for a template that exudes professionalism and allows you to feature your most relevant professional accomplishments and key skills. While it’s important to embrace your individuality, you need to maintain a balance between creativity and professionalism. Choose a template that reflects your style to some extent but remains appropriate for a professional setting. Your ultimate goal is a visually appealing template that allows hiring managers to quickly scan your resume and easily capture all the essential information.
Barista Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- Example #1
- Example #2
- Example #3
Derek Holmes
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | 123 Main Street, Raleigh, NC 27513
Profile
Courteous Barista committed to providing high-quality customer experiences. Skilled in developing new methods for producing various coffee-based drinks. Focused on discovering sustainable business practices to promote eco-friendliness and waste reduction.
Key Skills
- Coffee Bean & Grounds Quality Control
- Efficiency Improvement
- French Press Operation & Repair
- Task Timing & Sequencing
- Team Management & Scheduling
Professional Experience
Assistant Manager, Maggie’s Coffeehouse, Greensboro, NC | September 2020 to Present
- Oversee 20 baristas and serve as shift leader for up to 5 team members
- Manage $10K annual budget for equipment procurement
Highlight:
- Started a recycling program that reduced plastic waste by 50%
Barista, Downtown Cafe, Durham, NC | June 2019 to August 2020
- Greeted customers and curated daily music playlist to promote a positive cafe experience
- Processed register transactions
- Completed all store open and close duties
- Maintained a clean workspace per all safety standards and regulations
Highlight:
- Created a specialized sugar-free beverage that accounted for 5% of total monthly sales
Education
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition & Foods, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC | 2019
Mariam Hassan
(876) 567-8765 | [email protected] | 432 Second Avenue, Annapolis, MD 76543
Profile
Barista with 8 years’ experience creating bespoke beverages in leading coffee houses. Confident leader skilled at putting complex preparation protocols in clear terms for team members. Thrive in a dynamic, customer-focused work environment. Committed to ongoing education about new preparation methods and technologies.
Professional Experience
Barista, Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Annapolis, MD | September 2017 to Present
- Prepare various hot and iced coffees, following detailed specifications
- Help onboard and train ~15 new hires per year
- Maintain a spotless food and beverage preparation area
- Greet customers and recommend drink options based on their stated preferences and dietary needs
Highlight:
- Achieved a 5-star customer satisfaction rating in 2020 and 2021
Barista, Starbucks, Annapolis, MD | July 2013 to September 2017
- Prepared complex coffee orders in a fast-paced environment
- Monitored and documented inventory, placing replenishment orders to ensure availability
- Answered customer questions by phone and in-person, drawing on detailed product knowledge to advise on potential allergens
Highlights:
- Reduced customer wait times by ~20% in 3 years
- Member of 5-person team that surpassed 50% of productivity goals in 2015 and 2016
Education
Associate of Arts – Hospitality, Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business, Charles Town, WV | 2013
Key Skills
- Customer Relations & Service
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Latte Art
- Milk Texturing
- Sensory Cup Technology
- Staff Training & Mentoring
- Task Timing & Sequencing
Certification
Specialty Coffee Association Professional Diploma | 2017
Marvin Francis
(123) 454-3212 | [email protected] | 432 Third Road, Wilmington, DE 65432
Profile
Lead Barista skilled at motivating staff through meaningful reward and recognition programs. Maximize efficiency and service quality by cultivating staff members’ individual strengths. Broad knowledge of hot and iced coffee preparation standards and presentation methods. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
Professional Experience
Lead Barista, Starbucks, Wilmington, DE | July 2016 to Present
- Set new staffing strategy that raised store productivity 40%+ in 3 years
- Introduced a staff reward and recognition system that improved retention by 80%+ in 2019
- Developed a professional development course to boost team members’ understanding of beverage preparation core standards
- Led a 12-person team to more actively promote the chain’s special offers, growing sales by ~30% YoY
Barista, Sweet Nel’s, Wilmington, DE | July 2008 to July 2016
- Promptly and accurately processed cash and card transactions using POS system
- Followed detailed written preparation instructions to ensure consistent order quality and flavor, earning a 99.2% customer satisfaction score
- Upsold store’s take-home coffee blends and cups, consistently ranking in the top 10% for add-on sales revenue
- Performed routine cleaning tasks and sanitized espresso machine parts, per company and state food hygiene standards
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Hospitality Management, Delaware Technical Community College, Wilmington, DE | 2008
Key Skills
- Customer Service & Relations
- Food & Beverage Hygiene
- Performance Management
- Promotional Upselling
- Staff Training & Development
Certification
Specialty Coffee Association Professional Diploma | 2014
Language
Fluency in Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions: Barista Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for Barista resumes?+
When crafting the professional experience section of your resume, it's common to face challenges in finding the right words to describe your work as a barista. To help you overcome this block, we've compiled a list of common action verbs that you can use to illustrate your responsibilities. Action verbs are instrumental in bringing energy and impact to your resume. They work to present the tasks you performed in previous roles, showcasing your proactive approach and expertise. Consider using some of these words in your barista resume to help potential employers visualize your contributions and skills:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Brew | Clean |
| Collaborate | Create |
| Describe | Enhance |
| Greet | Improve |
| Monitor | Multitask |
| Prepare | Prioritize |
| Process | Promote |
| Recommend | Refill |
| Resolve | Sell |
| Streamline | Train |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a faster-than-average growth in employment for food and beverage-serving workers. Between 2021 and 2031, the field will grow 9 percent, adding over 370,000 new jobs. Even though the market will be full of opportunities, applicants still need to stand out among the crowd of workers vying for these new positions. If you have a specific barista job opening you plan to apply for, we highly recommend you tailor your resume to that particular position.
Read and analyze the job description of the position you're applying for. Identify the qualifications and responsibilities mentioned in the job posting. Then, match those skills and experiences to your own and include them on your resume. Pay attention to the keywords and phrases used in the job description and incorporate some of them throughout your resume, especially in the professional experience and skills sections.
What is the best Barista resume format?+
For baristas, the most suitable resume format is generally the chronological format. This layout emphasizes your work history and employment progression, which is particularly relevant for showcasing your experience in the service industry. It allows hiring managers to see your growth and tenure in previous barista roles.
However, in some instances, a combination format may also be appropriate. This option combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, allowing you to highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments while still presenting a clear timeline of your work experience. Combination resumes can be helpful if you have transferable skills or are transitioning from a different field to the barista role. Ultimately, the best format will be the one that serves you and your goals well.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
A well-crafted cover letter significantly enhances your prospects of securing an interview in your job search. The best way to write a compelling cover letter is to customize it for the specific organization you’re applying to. Learn how to write your own barista cover letter with our comprehensive guide. Check out our server and bartender cover letter guides for examples from related occupations.
